Image title: Inscribed stone slab (3)

This photograph depicts a Shilapatra or “inscribed stone slab”.—Although this shilapatra is ornamented with a garlanded linga, symbol of Shiva, only the god Narayana (Vishnu) is mentioned in the inscription. Shaped quite differently than Licchavi Period stele with parallel sides, this example typifies those of the Malla and Shah periods (AD. 1200 to the present). It was erected in A.D. 1665 in memory of deceased members of a Patan family and records die establishment of a fountain, rest-house, and image of Narayana. There is also a provision for their upkeep—including removal of grass from the fountain—and for the performance of annual religious observances. In pious poses beneath doth valances die donors are depicted below in an architectural setting. The script is Newari, the language Sanskrit and Newari.

Gallery information:

The Patan Museum is located on the Durbar square of Patan (Lalitpur/Lalitapura, Kathmandu, Nepal) which is associated Keshav Narayan Chowk (Keshavnarayan)—a form of Lord Vishnu. Being listed as a World Heritage Site, the whole of Durbar square is filled with exquisite temples, sculptures and other ancient structures, of which the ancient history history can be traced to the Malla Kings of Lalitpur. It is an important site for both Buddhism and Hinduism.